NALDA’s 10-year plan to optimise 5m hectares in five years
In a significant step toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has launched a 10-year strategic plan (2025–2035) to enhance land development and boost food security. The initiative targets the optimization of five million hectares of farmland within five years, with a broader presidential mandate to open 10 million hectares for agriculture.
At the Strategy Co-Creation Workshop for Stakeholders in Abuja, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture, stressed that land is the foundation of food security. He emphasized that productivity hinges on proper land preparation, soil nutrient management, improved farming practices, quality inputs, and superior seed varieties. The minister also highlighted concerns over land degradation due to poor management practices and climate change, urging stakeholders to adopt sustainable strategies.
NALDA’s Executive Secretary, Cornelius Adebayo, reinforced the need for structured land development, moving beyond basic land clearing. He noted that if just half of the planned 5 million hectares are properly utilized, agricultural output could exceed expectations. The plan includes:
- Land preparation and irrigation systems
- Infrastructure development, including farm hostels and security installations
- Enhanced input distribution (fertilizers, mechanization, and seeds)
- Public-private partnerships (PPPs) to drive investment in agricultural land development
Recognizing the financial constraints of the government, NALDA aims to attract private sector participation, fostering a collaborative approach to food production. The agency remains committed to innovation-driven solutions, ensuring that smallholder farmers benefit from a structured system that scales up production and strengthens Nigeria’s food security framework.
Source- Business Day
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
NALDA’s 10-year strategy represents a critical intervention in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. However, its success hinges on several key factors:
- Land Development vs. Utilization: While the initiative aims to optimize 5 million hectares in five years, the real challenge lies in ensuring effective land use. Without well-defined farmer access models, land clearing alone will not translate into increased productivity.
- Sustainability of Land Management: Addressing soil depletion and climate-related risks is essential. Integrating climate-smart agriculture (CSA) techniques, precision farming, and soil rejuvenation strategies will determine the long-term viability of developed lands.
- Private Sector Engagement: The call for public-private partnerships is a strategic move. However, agricultural investments require policy stability, incentives, and a clear framework for land tenure security to attract investors. If not properly structured, private sector involvement may lean towards commercial agribusiness, sidelining smallholder farmers.
- Infrastructure and Logistics: Developing land without an adequate storage, processing, and distribution network could lead to post-harvest losses. Stakeholders must push for an integrated value chain approach, linking production to markets efficiently.
- Funding and Implementation Timeline: Past agricultural policies in Nigeria have often struggled with execution due to funding gaps and bureaucratic inefficiencies. For NALDA’s plan to be effective, there must be clear funding models, accountability mechanisms, and stakeholder-driven implementation strategies.
NALDA’s strategy has the potential to reshape Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, but its impact will depend on practical implementation, private sector alignment, and sustainability measures. Agri-food stakeholders must remain actively engaged, ensuring that the strategy translates into real opportunities for farmers, agribusinesses, and the national economy.
